Amarillo vs Dallas: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Amarillo, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Amarillo, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,513 | $109,357▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.73 | $52.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,308 | $79,315▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,687 | $86,859▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,196 | $130,721▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,305 | $150,241▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 3,450▲ |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Amarillo.
The salary gap between Amarillo and Dallas is $3,844 (3.64%). Dallas's median is +5.76% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Amarillo spans $75,997,Dallas spans $70,926. Amarillo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Amarillo ($114,913 effective) pays 8.33% more than Dallas ($106,079 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Amarillo if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,913)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,357/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,241)
- ✓Larger job market (3,450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Amarillo grew 13.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.4% growth in Dallas over the same period.
Amarillo, TX
$90,010 (2019) → $102,380 (2025)
Dallas, TX
$85,280 (2019) → $106,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Amarillo, TX
Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Amarillo or Dallas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Amarillo and Dallas?
Should I relocate from Amarillo to Dallas as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Amarillo vs Dallas?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov